I think the song speaks for itself.
- Michael Stephen
Monday, November 30, 2009
"You are not your own.." [ 11 | 29 | 2009 ]
The stakes have never been higher and the days have never been longer.
Be urgent, yet be humble. The world silently crumbles beneath us while so many souls are so desperately seeking answers; returned with judgmental glances. How can you sit back and look at them? Be unashamed, living is simple.
You are not your own.
Now be the answer.
- Michael Stephen
Be urgent, yet be humble. The world silently crumbles beneath us while so many souls are so desperately seeking answers; returned with judgmental glances. How can you sit back and look at them? Be unashamed, living is simple.
You are not your own.
Now be the answer.
- Michael Stephen
Saturday, November 28, 2009
"The only resolution.." [ 11 | 28 | 2009 ]
A subtle glimpse behind the curtain reveals a determined desperation that somehow managed to brave the storm and the pouring rain. And as I began to start to see, I penned an elegy for an old fashioned melody involved with forcing change until there would be no more pain.
Starve it and outsmart it until it’s gone, was the plan.
And it seemed to make due.
But agony is a powerful word, and I thought I could escape, run away from the heartache. I thought I had the solution, I thought I held the key. I thought I knew exactly what defined me.
But after searching and searching,
The only way out, the only resolution, the only way to manage, the only way to deal with, the only way to survive, the only way to get past your fears and to learn how to live again,
Is to cope.
- Michael Stephen
Starve it and outsmart it until it’s gone, was the plan.
And it seemed to make due.
But agony is a powerful word, and I thought I could escape, run away from the heartache. I thought I had the solution, I thought I held the key. I thought I knew exactly what defined me.
But after searching and searching,
The only way out, the only resolution, the only way to manage, the only way to deal with, the only way to survive, the only way to get past your fears and to learn how to live again,
Is to cope.
- Michael Stephen
Friday, November 27, 2009
"And that's the present me.." [ 11 | 27 | 2009 ]
I’ve tried everything but giving in.
Been searchin’ for someone specific to hold my heart again; to mend that spot inside of me that I once had faith in. Maybe this part of my body just needs time. Maybe there’s another way, a path towards brighter days. Maybe I’m impatient and need to wait.
But what’s stopping me?
I promise I’ll be good, I’ll love you exactly as I should. Endless and unconditional, I guarantee. Just let me stay with you forever and don’t ever leave. I just want someone to protect and provide for, walking the line between now and forever, fingers intertwined.
I wish I was grown up,
So I could do just that and a little more. One day that day might come, but for now I’ll be tearing out and shutting down. I will always want love, but I just can’t breathe. I want someone to care for, but I just can't think.
Perhaps I am desperate, but I think I’m just lonely and longing for remedy.
And that’s the present me.
- Michael Stephen
Been searchin’ for someone specific to hold my heart again; to mend that spot inside of me that I once had faith in. Maybe this part of my body just needs time. Maybe there’s another way, a path towards brighter days. Maybe I’m impatient and need to wait.
But what’s stopping me?
I promise I’ll be good, I’ll love you exactly as I should. Endless and unconditional, I guarantee. Just let me stay with you forever and don’t ever leave. I just want someone to protect and provide for, walking the line between now and forever, fingers intertwined.
I wish I was grown up,
So I could do just that and a little more. One day that day might come, but for now I’ll be tearing out and shutting down. I will always want love, but I just can’t breathe. I want someone to care for, but I just can't think.
Perhaps I am desperate, but I think I’m just lonely and longing for remedy.
And that’s the present me.
- Michael Stephen
Thursday, November 26, 2009
"I am.." [ 11 | 26 | 2009 ]
Thankful for long hair and no cares.
Thankful for the last few crazy years. Thankful for a voice that is slowly being heard. Thankful for California and the memories made there. Thankful for a family that truly and sincerely cares. Thankful for friends by my side who know me and fight for me.
Thankful every night for a place to stay. Thankful every morning for words to say. Thankful for a glimpse of sun on a cloudy day. Thankful for my past and my present, the future and the memories in between. Thankful for t-shirts, little things, guitar strings and blue jeans.
Thankful for love. Thankful for light in a dark street, and for warmth inside of me. Thankful for answers to prayer and patience to see. Thankful for a God who's not short of cash. Thankful for caffeine in the bloodstream, and something to believe in. Thankful that starting over is always an option, and that there is always hope for tomorrow.
Thankful that even though I have made so many mistakes, and even though I have broken so many promises, and even though I have searched inside so many times and found myself empty,
You saved me.
- Michael Stephen
Thankful for the last few crazy years. Thankful for a voice that is slowly being heard. Thankful for California and the memories made there. Thankful for a family that truly and sincerely cares. Thankful for friends by my side who know me and fight for me.
Thankful every night for a place to stay. Thankful every morning for words to say. Thankful for a glimpse of sun on a cloudy day. Thankful for my past and my present, the future and the memories in between. Thankful for t-shirts, little things, guitar strings and blue jeans.
Thankful for love. Thankful for light in a dark street, and for warmth inside of me. Thankful for answers to prayer and patience to see. Thankful for a God who's not short of cash. Thankful for caffeine in the bloodstream, and something to believe in. Thankful that starting over is always an option, and that there is always hope for tomorrow.
Thankful that even though I have made so many mistakes, and even though I have broken so many promises, and even though I have searched inside so many times and found myself empty,
You saved me.
- Michael Stephen
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
"Am I loud and clear?" [ 11 | 25 | 2009 ]
Am I loud and clear?
Hiding is such a lonely thing to do.
Hiding is such a lonely thing to do.
Am I too far to hear?
Your love is my motivation to breathe.
- Michael Stephen
One lost brushstroke finds an empty canvas; spilling truth.
I am so thirsty, and I’ve given up on making this life my own. Pure and pitiful desperation mirrors my reflection, knowing that your love is the only thing I need. I don’t have to wait anymore. The flowers, heaven's eyes, my life;
Everything.
I am so thirsty, and I’ve given up on making this life my own. Pure and pitiful desperation mirrors my reflection, knowing that your love is the only thing I need. I don’t have to wait anymore. The flowers, heaven's eyes, my life;
Everything.
Your love is my motivation to breathe.
- Michael Stephen
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
"You lose hope so easily.." [ 11 | 18 | 2009 ]
You lose hope so easily.
In a few ways, you're right and I can see your view, but even in the calm of the moment, you criticize yourself and then dream of perfection. Your insecurities speak of misplaced confidence. The way you trust in him is admirable, but trust in the you that he made too. Beneath the surface, you're reaching for what you have been pushing away for so long.
Take a step in a new direction. This is a call to arms! Believe in yourself for the first time. Generalization after generalization with a pity excuse for an answer, you have become the routine that you have been fighting. And it's a vicious sequence of events, isn't it? Start with the little things and end at the heart. Just take your time and play your part.
Eventually you'll learn that you just have to keep moving forward and pushing through. Sometimes fairytales are worth holding on to, because sometimes they come true. But without effort, dreams will just unfold in place. Without perspective, every next wasted second will be replaced.
Without trust, ashes turn to ashes; dust turns to dust.
The days go by, like a breeze passing through.
- Michael Stephen
In a few ways, you're right and I can see your view, but even in the calm of the moment, you criticize yourself and then dream of perfection. Your insecurities speak of misplaced confidence. The way you trust in him is admirable, but trust in the you that he made too. Beneath the surface, you're reaching for what you have been pushing away for so long.
Take a step in a new direction. This is a call to arms! Believe in yourself for the first time. Generalization after generalization with a pity excuse for an answer, you have become the routine that you have been fighting. And it's a vicious sequence of events, isn't it? Start with the little things and end at the heart. Just take your time and play your part.
Eventually you'll learn that you just have to keep moving forward and pushing through. Sometimes fairytales are worth holding on to, because sometimes they come true. But without effort, dreams will just unfold in place. Without perspective, every next wasted second will be replaced.
Without trust, ashes turn to ashes; dust turns to dust.
The days go by, like a breeze passing through.
- Michael Stephen
Monday, November 16, 2009
"Pass up the past.." [ 11 | 16 | 2009 ]
Take me back to the tree in the park where I always sat in the dark, waiting for life to shake me by the shoulders; wishing I was older, wiser, and bolder.
I thought I had a handle on things, and I thought I had learned everything about being strong and making sense. But I got trampled on, and went through hell and back in exchange for a learning experience.
Sometimes I take perspective for granted, but in reality's face, I was never too far away to be saved, and neither are you.
Hope is here. And change isn't always clear, but it's worth it to live with failure as a stepping stone and pass up the past. It reminds me of plants that die and flourish again. It reminds me of inexplicable peace in a world of sin. It takes me back to redemption.
Because it's never too late;
Never too far away.
- Michael Stephen
I thought I had a handle on things, and I thought I had learned everything about being strong and making sense. But I got trampled on, and went through hell and back in exchange for a learning experience.
Sometimes I take perspective for granted, but in reality's face, I was never too far away to be saved, and neither are you.
Hope is here. And change isn't always clear, but it's worth it to live with failure as a stepping stone and pass up the past. It reminds me of plants that die and flourish again. It reminds me of inexplicable peace in a world of sin. It takes me back to redemption.
Because it's never too late;
Never too far away.
- Michael Stephen
Friday, November 13, 2009
"We dive in.." [ 11 | 13 | 2009 ]
Some jumbled thoughts and input that I have received from others mashed together in one lump of text that has been processed by my own mind. Keep in mind that much of these ideas I heard from other people, and this is just a way of me putting the thoughts on paper (or in this case, a screen). So please take it for what it's worth. A humble obverver's ponderings.
After reading C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity and The Problem of Pain, I have developed some notions about a few particular topics that I have heard brought up several times in the last few weeks. And I am eager to learn more.
We dive in.
Who is responsible for the current condition of the world? Adam? Eve? Osama Bin Laden? Barack Obama? Satan? The answer is God.
He created the possibility that this condition could be a possibility. God is responsible for the human condition. Many may argue, “If God created this miserable condition, then does he not have the responsibility to fix it?” Although ones first response as a Christian may be, “How dare you question the authority of God over his creation?” This is a valid and pertinent question, and the answer would be yes.
This world and everything in this world is God’s responsibility. God must act decisively to remedy the situation. However, raw power cannot repair the current state of the human world. Raw power robs the human condition of free will, causing what would be an amoral universe devoid of the human conscious.
God identifies with humans. He created us in his image. He took on the form of a human, endured the carnal temptations of a human, and ultimately died a human death. In death, where can one turn? To God the creator alone. He uses evil for good. Romans 8:28 tells us that God works for the good. This does not mean that every situation in our lives is going to work out perfectly. It means that in the midst of all things, GOD IS GOOD.
And that is an infallible statement.
On the subject of Biblical mistranslations, the fact that the Biblical text has been preserved is, in itself, incredible. In one sense, faith has nothing to do with mistranslation or different versions of translation. Everything comes down to the exact, literal, hard-nosed, text-to-text translation, which due to the imperfect condition of man, is fallible in nature.
Let's say that something seriously bad happens to a person, like a parent's death or something similar, and they approach you seeking advice. What is the appropriate way to respond? Is there an appropriate way to respond?
“I do not know why this happened. But I do know that God loves you. He is not trying to punish you. He did not do this.” Simple and to the point? This deserves further consideration.
Where do you turn? To where can you go in this kind of world when sin is everywhere and comfort is difficult to find? When all else fails us, best friends let us down, and there is no one left to turn, God hears our cry.
And if we cannot turn to him, then we have no hope.
- Michael Stephen
After reading C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity and The Problem of Pain, I have developed some notions about a few particular topics that I have heard brought up several times in the last few weeks. And I am eager to learn more.
We dive in.
Who is responsible for the current condition of the world? Adam? Eve? Osama Bin Laden? Barack Obama? Satan? The answer is God.
He created the possibility that this condition could be a possibility. God is responsible for the human condition. Many may argue, “If God created this miserable condition, then does he not have the responsibility to fix it?” Although ones first response as a Christian may be, “How dare you question the authority of God over his creation?” This is a valid and pertinent question, and the answer would be yes.
This world and everything in this world is God’s responsibility. God must act decisively to remedy the situation. However, raw power cannot repair the current state of the human world. Raw power robs the human condition of free will, causing what would be an amoral universe devoid of the human conscious.
God identifies with humans. He created us in his image. He took on the form of a human, endured the carnal temptations of a human, and ultimately died a human death. In death, where can one turn? To God the creator alone. He uses evil for good. Romans 8:28 tells us that God works for the good. This does not mean that every situation in our lives is going to work out perfectly. It means that in the midst of all things, GOD IS GOOD.
And that is an infallible statement.
On the subject of Biblical mistranslations, the fact that the Biblical text has been preserved is, in itself, incredible. In one sense, faith has nothing to do with mistranslation or different versions of translation. Everything comes down to the exact, literal, hard-nosed, text-to-text translation, which due to the imperfect condition of man, is fallible in nature.
Let's say that something seriously bad happens to a person, like a parent's death or something similar, and they approach you seeking advice. What is the appropriate way to respond? Is there an appropriate way to respond?
“I do not know why this happened. But I do know that God loves you. He is not trying to punish you. He did not do this.” Simple and to the point? This deserves further consideration.
Where do you turn? To where can you go in this kind of world when sin is everywhere and comfort is difficult to find? When all else fails us, best friends let us down, and there is no one left to turn, God hears our cry.
And if we cannot turn to him, then we have no hope.
- Michael Stephen
"Desperation and dreams.." [ 11 | 12 | 2009 ]
Rain, rain go away. But before you leave, give me something to say.
Desperation and dreams, like raindrops on wilting leaf. Intensity of the heart and oblivious to me. This is exactly how I feel. Stained glass windows and pine trees, the Oregon weather is getting to me. Because I want to know you, I really wish I could. But distance defines this relationship,
And my heart stays true.
- Michael Stephen
Desperation and dreams, like raindrops on wilting leaf. Intensity of the heart and oblivious to me. This is exactly how I feel. Stained glass windows and pine trees, the Oregon weather is getting to me. Because I want to know you, I really wish I could. But distance defines this relationship,
And my heart stays true.
- Michael Stephen
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
"Under the same umbrella.." [ 11 | 11 | 2009 ]
Memory is such a powerful blessing and such a haunting curse.
Regret and forgiveness fall under the same umbrella.
- Michael Stephen
Regret and forgiveness fall under the same umbrella.
- Michael Stephen
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
"Reality sinks in.." [ 11 | 10 | 2009 ]
Reality sinks in.
I keep having these dreams like I am somewhere else; another location completely. Different people and different faces, I was running their races, trying to keep their paces. And I realized that this was not me, and I woke myself from revery. And in noble attempt to balance the equation, I fell through the cracks; adrift in frustration. Dreaming, or reality? Which person am I or will I be?
My dream takes me.
Where have you been this whole time?
I pulled myself apart, fighting a broken heart.
Where have you been all along?
My strength failed me, seeking serenity.
Where were you when I needed you?
Here, there, and everywhere around me, your love surrounds me. Your love is strong, your love is a song, your love reminds me of where I thought I should be. And in every little thing and in every situation, I find you, loving me so desperately. Every final solution and every leaf on a tree: beauty, beauty, beauty. Your creation and love for the human heart amazes me. I could write you endlessly.
With a final cry and one last try, I give all I have to you. One year of my life in your hands. Home, in your hands. My heart, in your hands. Take it. Replace it. Mold me, and secure me. In your arms, I am home. In your arms, I have peace. In your arms,
I find me.
- Michael Stephen
Monday, November 9, 2009
"What. A. Weekend.." [ 11 | 9 | 2009 ]
What: Quake / Zone
Where: San Jose, California
When: November 6-8, 2009
Pre-Friday (November 4-5): On Tuesday, the team drove to the San Jose, CA airport to pick up our event director Joe! It was quite a bit of fun seeing him and his beard (trimmed up and wolverine-ized for Halloween). And at this point, the entire team was excited, energized, and ready for the upcoming weekend! We drove back down to Kings City, CA! The next two days (Wednesday and Thursday) consisted of event training! To summarize, the team gathered and went over how the weekend was going to run, reviewed how to set up lights (yes, meaning huge colored flashing lights!), and worked out how to set up our huge projector screen!
Thursday night was our final "regular," albeit wild, concert before the first Quake Zone of the year. We changed up the set list a little bit, and the kids loved it! We added one of my all time favorite songs, Mighty To Save to our set list, and everyone was singing along. Our contact David who also housed us for two nights (thank you for the steak and burritos!), was super cooperative and welcoming, and the entire team enjoyed ourselves. The concert went swimmingly and after a nights stay at a swell host home, the weekend approached.
Friday (November 6): The day had come! And at this point, there were several emotions and thoughts running through my mind. Confidence and trust both played a big part in making a well-planned event run even more smoothly. I was confident in our musical ability as a team, and we, as a team, placed an incredible amount of trust in God, and how he planned to work through us this weekend. We spent as much time as possible in prayer, asking for continued good health, strengthened unity as a team, and the maintaining of energy throughout the weekend.
Speaking of energy, I made a vow to myself to make myself look like a complete crazy person on the stage in an effort to spur the kids to a high level of energy.
It worked, and for the opening celebration, our set of songs went exactly as planned. After headbanging, dancing, hopping around stage, and ultimately jumping off the drum riser on our final song, I was both sweaty and exhausted, but extremely happy, because the young and energetic audience was able to feed off our energy, and dance and jump as well! It was an incredible night, to say the least. And after facilitating a Trek (bible study) with Kevin, listening through an awesome set list by the guest musician Daniel's Window, and enjoying a hilarious message by our speaker Bill Yonker, I hit the proverbial hay and slept for five hours.
Saturday (November 7): The alarm blared at 6:22, and I got a chance to run through our detailed schedule before diving in with the activities of the day.
After an opening celebration of a few high energy songs by Daniel's Window, we took the stage for a few minutes (I broke a pick AND a guitar string on one song!). The great and mighty Bill Yonker spoke for a few minutes, and then kicked off the Treks for the day. Kevin and I had the privilege of running the Junior Guide Leader Treks. "What are Junior Guide Leaders?" you may ask. Well, to break it down for you, every youth group appoints one, two, three or more Junior Guide Leaders (usually high school age) to help the youth leaders run the youth group for the weekend. And these three different bible studies, or Treks, were specifically designed to discuss and enforce biblical leadership characteristics in these high schoolers.
Myself and Kevin were able to hang out with this same group of about twenty high school guys and girls for three different Treks over the course of the weekend. And we had an absolute blast doing it. My prayer is that they were blessed through the weekend and the bible studies, as we discussed ways in which they could better serve God through serving their younger youth.
One of the most special events of the weekend, was the Variety Show, which I was honored to be able to host! On Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, youth from each youth group had the chance to register to perform some sort of an act or talent at the variety show which was planned for Saturday afternoon. After many air bands, songs, piano solos, juggling acts, a.. peanut butter.. skit (?), and a Taylor Swift Boy Band performance (which I was privileged to partake in!), everyone walked away with a newfound appreciation for weird talents, I can assure you!
Following the variety show and dinner with a group of teenage guys from an amazing youth group in Sunnyvale, CA, I was able to enjoy listening to Daniel's Window perform as they opened up the night with a 45 minute concert, followed up by another intense, hysterical, and meaningful message by our humble speaker, Bill Yonker. Saturday evening was also tagged as "Crazy Dress Night," so we took the stage with swimsuits on our heads and capes on our backs for the final few songs, then crashed for the night.
Sunday (November 8): The last hurrah.
Following breakfast with a hilarious group of kids from Lodi, CA (they pelted me with ping pong balls!) and a few more songs from Daniel's Window, Bill Yonker sent the kids away with one final message on the theme verse of the weekend. Micah 6:8, "He has show you what is good. For what does the Lord require of you? But to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God."
After a few more songs, another jump off the drum riser, and autographs all around, the San Jose, CA Quake Zone and Captive Free West Coast 09-10's first event of the event season came to a close.
What. A. Weekend.
- Michael Stephen
Sunday, November 8, 2009
"When can their glory fade?" [ 11 | 8 | 2009 ]
"Half a league, half a league,
When can their glory fade?
O the wild charge they made!
Half a league onward,
All in the valley of Death
All in the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
'Forward, the Light Brigade!
Charge for the guns' he said:
Into the valley of Death
Charge for the guns' he said:
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
'Forward, the Light Brigade!'
Was there a man dismay'd?
Not tho' the soldiers knew
'Forward, the Light Brigade!'
Was there a man dismay'd?
Not tho' the soldiers knew
Some one had blunder'd:
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and die:
Into the valley of Death
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and die:
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon in front of them,
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon in front of them,
Volley'd and thunder'd;
Storm'd at with shot and shell,
Boldly they rode and well,
Into the jaws of Death,
Into the mouth of Hell
Storm'd at with shot and shell,
Boldly they rode and well,
Into the jaws of Death,
Into the mouth of Hell
Rode the six hundred.
Flash'd all their sabres bare,
Flash'd as they turned in air
Sabring the gunners there,
Charging an army while
Flash'd all their sabres bare,
Flash'd as they turned in air
Sabring the gunners there,
Charging an army while
All the world wonder'd:
Plunged in the battery-smoke
Right thro' the line they broke;
Cossack and Russian
Reel'd from the sabre-stroke
Shatter'd and sunder'd.
Then they rode back, but not
Not the six hundred.
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon behind them
Right thro' the line they broke;
Cossack and Russian
Reel'd from the sabre-stroke
Shatter'd and sunder'd.
Then they rode back, but not
Not the six hundred.
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon behind them
Volley'd and thunder'd;
Storm'd at with shot and shell,
While horse and hero fell,
They that had fought so well
Came thro' the jaws of Death,
Back from the mouth of Hell,
All that was left of them,
Storm'd at with shot and shell,
While horse and hero fell,
They that had fought so well
Came thro' the jaws of Death,
Back from the mouth of Hell,
All that was left of them,
Left of six hundred.
When can their glory fade?
O the wild charge they made!
All the world wonder'd.
Honour the charge they made!
Honour the Light Brigade,
Honour the charge they made!
Honour the Light Brigade,
Noble six hundred!
- Alfred Lord Tennyson
"To those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life."
- The Apostle Paul
- Michael Stephen
"Onward through life he goes.." [ 11 | 7 | 2009 ]
"Under a spreading chestnut-tree
The village smithy stands;
The smith, a mighty man is he,
With large and sinewy hands;
And the muscles of his brawny arms
Are strong as iron bands.
His hair is crisp, and black, and long,
His face is like the tan;
His brow is wet with honest sweat,
He earns whate'er he can,
And looks the whole world in the face,
For he owes not any man.
Week in, week out, from morn till night,
You can hear his bellows blow;
You can hear him swing his heavy sledge,
With measured beat and slow,
Like a sexton ringing the village bell,
When the evening sun is low.
And children coming home from school
Look in at the open door;
They love to see the flaming forge,
And hear the bellows roar,
And catch the burning sparks that fly
Like chaff from a threshing-floor.
He goes on Sunday to the church,
And sits among his boys;
He hears the parson pray and preach,
He hears his daughter's voice,
Singing in the village choir,
And it makes his heart rejoice.
It sounds to him like her mother's voice,
Singing in Paradise!
He needs must think of her once more,
How in the grave she lies;
And with his haul, rough hand he wipes
A tear out of his eyes.
Toiling, rejoicing, sorrowing,
Onward through life he goes;
Each morning sees some task begin,
Each evening sees it close
Something attempted, something done,
Has earned a night's repose.
Thanks, thanks to thee, my worthy friend,
For the lesson thou hast taught!
Thus at the flaming forge of life
Our fortunes must be wrought;
Thus on its sounding anvil shaped
Each burning deed and thought."
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
"Our God is a consuming fire."
- The Author of Hebrews
- Michael Stephen
The village smithy stands;
The smith, a mighty man is he,
With large and sinewy hands;
And the muscles of his brawny arms
Are strong as iron bands.
His hair is crisp, and black, and long,
His face is like the tan;
His brow is wet with honest sweat,
He earns whate'er he can,
And looks the whole world in the face,
For he owes not any man.
Week in, week out, from morn till night,
You can hear his bellows blow;
You can hear him swing his heavy sledge,
With measured beat and slow,
Like a sexton ringing the village bell,
When the evening sun is low.
And children coming home from school
Look in at the open door;
They love to see the flaming forge,
And hear the bellows roar,
And catch the burning sparks that fly
Like chaff from a threshing-floor.
He goes on Sunday to the church,
And sits among his boys;
He hears the parson pray and preach,
He hears his daughter's voice,
Singing in the village choir,
And it makes his heart rejoice.
It sounds to him like her mother's voice,
Singing in Paradise!
He needs must think of her once more,
How in the grave she lies;
And with his haul, rough hand he wipes
A tear out of his eyes.
Toiling, rejoicing, sorrowing,
Onward through life he goes;
Each morning sees some task begin,
Each evening sees it close
Something attempted, something done,
Has earned a night's repose.
Thanks, thanks to thee, my worthy friend,
For the lesson thou hast taught!
Thus at the flaming forge of life
Our fortunes must be wrought;
Thus on its sounding anvil shaped
Each burning deed and thought."
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
"Our God is a consuming fire."
- The Author of Hebrews
- Michael Stephen
Friday, November 6, 2009
"If.." [ 10 | 6 | 2009 ]
"If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!"
- Rudyard Kipling
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing."
- The Apostle Paul
- Michael Stephen
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!"
- Rudyard Kipling
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing."
- The Apostle Paul
- Michael Stephen
Thursday, November 5, 2009
"Perspective paints the sky.." [ 11 | 5 | 2009 ]
Dear reader,
This weekend will be overwhelmingly busy and exhausting to me physically, mentally, and spiritually, so pardon the lack of blogs! Instead of taking the time out of the day every morning at 5:22 to write for a bit, I will be getting much needed rest instead. And I will be posting three pieces of literature over the weekend that are not my own, but works that have spurred some thought or inspiration in me in the past.
So take a minute out of your day and enjoy some good, well-written writing in the words of authors other than my own hum drum self! I'll leave you with a couple orphaned thoughts from the days gone by.
I recall what it feels like, not having a care in the world and sharing a heart that has a grasp on reality and a view of the big picture. And there is something greater happening behind the scenes that I cannot control and neither can you.
So when reality cuts through, step back and watch time run its course. Because everything has a reason, and I could have given up so easily.
I may be weak, but I made it to shore. And so can you. Swim a little further, land is in sight. This sickness has ripped through my body, but I am alive and perspective paints the sky. The end is near and I think I might have found some of my strength from our times.
I continue on despite my circumstance.
My dreams turn to sand and the hourglass strikes 6:05.
- Michael Stephen
This weekend will be overwhelmingly busy and exhausting to me physically, mentally, and spiritually, so pardon the lack of blogs! Instead of taking the time out of the day every morning at 5:22 to write for a bit, I will be getting much needed rest instead. And I will be posting three pieces of literature over the weekend that are not my own, but works that have spurred some thought or inspiration in me in the past.
So take a minute out of your day and enjoy some good, well-written writing in the words of authors other than my own hum drum self! I'll leave you with a couple orphaned thoughts from the days gone by.
I recall what it feels like, not having a care in the world and sharing a heart that has a grasp on reality and a view of the big picture. And there is something greater happening behind the scenes that I cannot control and neither can you.
So when reality cuts through, step back and watch time run its course. Because everything has a reason, and I could have given up so easily.
I may be weak, but I made it to shore. And so can you. Swim a little further, land is in sight. This sickness has ripped through my body, but I am alive and perspective paints the sky. The end is near and I think I might have found some of my strength from our times.
I continue on despite my circumstance.
My dreams turn to sand and the hourglass strikes 6:05.
- Michael Stephen
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
"A new year in days.." [ 11 | 4 | 2009 ]
A new year in days, where do we stand? Strife. War. Strife. War.
Kingdoms will fall and judgment will take place. Don't live off the lost. Refuse apathy. Standing still is not an option. Reforming the perished landscape requires determination.
And we are the antidote. Counteract the poison.
He is the cure. Establish restoration.
With heavy hearts and high hopes, prevailing becomes less an option and more a reality.
Look to the seven lampstands. In his hand are seven stars, and his voice resonates like a flood. Few know him, yet some respond. Fall to your knees. We have become the resistance and the outcast. A minority in a secular majority, the world deserves nothing. Yet this is glory. This is mercy. This is dominion. Through all: Him.
Through all: Him.
Holy, Holy, Holy.
- Michael Stephen
Kingdoms will fall and judgment will take place. Don't live off the lost. Refuse apathy. Standing still is not an option. Reforming the perished landscape requires determination.
And we are the antidote. Counteract the poison.
He is the cure. Establish restoration.
With heavy hearts and high hopes, prevailing becomes less an option and more a reality.
Look to the seven lampstands. In his hand are seven stars, and his voice resonates like a flood. Few know him, yet some respond. Fall to your knees. We have become the resistance and the outcast. A minority in a secular majority, the world deserves nothing. Yet this is glory. This is mercy. This is dominion. Through all: Him.
Through all: Him.
Holy, Holy, Holy.
- Michael Stephen
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
"I wrote this when I was sixteen.." [ 11 | 3 | 2009 ]
12 numbers
One clock
Time begs for completion.
As the minute hand turns,
The second hand craves movement.
13th chapter
8th verse
Love never ends
Believe all things, hope all things.
When the perfect comes, the imperfect disappears.
11th month
Twenty First day
Beauty is defined
The sideburns are at war with the stubble
Who will conquer? Let the best follicle win.
10th hour
Thirty First minute
Unholy Confessions on the player.
xosarah dear on the messenger.
Sierra mist on the desk.
9th sip
2 liters later
Farewell sweet, sierra mist
You have accomplished your purpose.
Oh, soul-less sierra..
2nd millennium
7th year
Fifteen years plus one
This world is where I breathe
But it will never be my home.
7th stanza
Second line
Debating on whether to continue.
A battle wages.
One more perhaps?
2nd hour
One basketball practice
What's that smell??
Ohhh... gosh..
Here, have some Axe.
- Michael Stephen
One clock
Time begs for completion.
As the minute hand turns,
The second hand craves movement.
13th chapter
8th verse
Love never ends
Believe all things, hope all things.
When the perfect comes, the imperfect disappears.
11th month
Twenty First day
Beauty is defined
The sideburns are at war with the stubble
Who will conquer? Let the best follicle win.
10th hour
Thirty First minute
Unholy Confessions on the player.
xosarah dear on the messenger.
Sierra mist on the desk.
9th sip
2 liters later
Farewell sweet, sierra mist
You have accomplished your purpose.
Oh, soul-less sierra..
2nd millennium
7th year
Fifteen years plus one
This world is where I breathe
But it will never be my home.
7th stanza
Second line
Debating on whether to continue.
A battle wages.
One more perhaps?
2nd hour
One basketball practice
What's that smell??
Ohhh... gosh..
Here, have some Axe.
- Michael Stephen
Monday, November 2, 2009
"In a forest in California.." [ 11 | 2 | 2009 ]
In a forest in California, in the midst of California trees, two California roads diverged before me.
And no matter how hard I tried, I thought, I fought, and sighed, I could not decide.
But the thing that makes me thank God for every laugh and cry, the thing that warms me by the flaming forge of life, the thing that carries me through the jaws of death and back through the mouth of hell, the thing that causes me to prefer fire over ice, the thing that makes me realize that I am nobody, and the thing that guides my conscience and my every desire,
Is the road less traveled by.
And that makes all the difference.
- Michael Stephen
And no matter how hard I tried, I thought, I fought, and sighed, I could not decide.
But the thing that makes me thank God for every laugh and cry, the thing that warms me by the flaming forge of life, the thing that carries me through the jaws of death and back through the mouth of hell, the thing that causes me to prefer fire over ice, the thing that makes me realize that I am nobody, and the thing that guides my conscience and my every desire,
Is the road less traveled by.
And that makes all the difference.
- Michael Stephen
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